The Mason Jar is Royal Caribbean’s newest specialty restaurant, found only on Wonder of the Seas.

The Mason Jar highlights southern cuisine, but does not focus on just one region of the south. Instead, the menu features dishes from throughout the American south, each with their own special touch.

When I first heard Royal Caribbean was opening a southern restaurant on Wonder of the Seas, I wasn’t sure what to expect. A southern style restaurant on a cruise ship? I was skeptical of how Royal Caribbean would pull off the diverse cuisine and flavors of the south.

So when I boarded Wonder of the Seas for the inaugural sailing last week, I immediately made reservations at The Mason Jar. During my cruise, I tried out the restaurant for both brunch and dinner to see what The Mason Jar has to offer.

Location and initial impressions

Stepping into The Mason Jar is like entering a no-frills country kitchen in the American south. The farmhouse decor of the restaurant, which features country-inspired art, checkerboard napkins, and pillows, gives a very homey feel to space.

The location of The Mason Jar is fantastic, as it is located on Deck 15 with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. Many specialty restaurants on Wonder of the Seas are located within Central Park or in other areas of the ship with limited ocean views, so I especially loved where The Mason Jar was built.

Something Royal Caribbean has been doing lately with its new specialty restaurants is incorporating a restaurant and bar combo. This happened most recently on Odyssey of the Seas with Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, where guests can choose to dine on the restaurant side or enjoy drinks and small bites at the wine bar.

The same concept was added to Wonder of the Seas with The Mason Jar. The Mason Jar Bar is located adjacent to The Mason Jar restaurant. Unlike the restaurant, reservations are not needed to enter the bar and it is open throughout the day.

The bar side of The Mason Jar is designed like a sprawling southern porch, with padded rocking chairs and a large porch swing. A live country band performs at the bar most evenings (and some afternoons) of the cruise.

The Mason Jar brunch review

The Mason Jar is open for brunch on sea days only, from 10am to 2pm, and the menu serves both savory and sweet dishes.

The menu is broken into three sections: Eggs N’ More, Somethin’ Sweet, and Handhelds.

Eggs N' More

• Meemaw’s Fried Chicken N’ Waffles
• Smoky Deviled Eggs
• Spinach N’ Pimento Cheese Omelet
• Salmon-Avocado Toast
• Southern Breakfast
• Breakfast Biscuits
• Blueberry Johnny Cakes
• Charred Watermelon Salad

Somethin’ Sweet

• Peanut Buttery Banana Overnight Oats
• Sweet-Tooth Cinnamon Roll
• Stuffed French Toast
• Red Velvet Pancakes

Handhelds

• Classic Po’boy
• The Southern Burger
• Crispy Chicken Sandwich

As this is the first restaurant serving a brunch menu in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, I had high expectations when entering The Mason Jar.

Brunch at The Mason Jar begins with two appetizers: Pimento Cheese and Saltines and Jalapeño Cornbread. Both are served with cajun butter or whipped honey butter. The cornbread is a personal favorite of mine, offering a perfect mix of sweet and savory bites.

For my main course, I ordered a stack of Red Velvet Pancakes, which came topped with a sweet cream cheese glaze. The red velvet flavor came out beautifully with every bite, each having the perfect amount of cream cheese icing.

I would say the pancakes had more of a cake texture than that of a fluffy pancake. In fact, they tasted like a mix between a slice of red velvet cake and pancakes. I did not mind this and thoroughly enjoyed the pancakes, but if someone is looking for a buttery, fluffy pancake this may not be the best choice.

Other members of my party ordered the Sweet-Tooth Cinnamon Roll and Meemaw’s Fried Chicken N’ Waffles. 

The cinnamon roll was perhaps the most picture-perfect cinnamon roll I’ve ever seen. It was quite large, but I probably would not order just a cinnamon roll for brunch. Instead, I think it’s a good idea to order one cinnamon roll as an appetizer (or dessert!) to share with the table. 

The Chicken N’ Waffles is one of the most popular items at The Mason Jar. A golden waffle topped with fried chicken and sweet maple syrup, it offers an ideal mix between sweet and savory flavors.

Brunch at The Mason Jar exceeded my expectations. Both the classic and reimaged southern-inspired breakfast dishes are packed with flavor, and by having a wide range of items on the menu, all guests will be able to find something new to try.

The Mason Jar dinner review

Dinner is the main meal at The Mason Jar and is open every evening. The dinner menu is broken into three sections: Lil’ Plates, Hearty Plates, and Meat n’ Two Fixin’s.

Lil’ Plates

• Pimento Cheese
• Lobster N’ Crawfish Gumbo
• Smoky Deviled Eggs
• Fried Green Tomatoes
• Blueberry Johnny Cakes
• Crab Beignets
• Caesar Salad
• Charred Watermelon Salad

Hearty Plates

• Shrimp N’ Grits
• Blackened Cajun Catfish
• Chicken Pot Pie (vegetarian option available)
• Classic Po’boy
• Crispy Chicken Sandwich
• The Southern Burger

Meat n’ Two Fixin’s (guests choose one meat and two sides)

• St. Louis-Style Ribs
• Beef Brisket
• Meemaw’s Fried Chicken

The sides at The Mason Jar are coleslaw, sweet potato fries, cajun fries, mashed potatoes, mac n’ cheese, and collard greens.

Each dinner at The Mason Jar starts with a plate of jalapeño cornbread and buttermilk biscuits. Served with cajun and whipped honey butter, I found these so delicious I could have eaten the entire plate!

For appetizers, my table shared Pimento Cheese, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Crab Beignets. Some appetizers at The Mason Jar can be eaten individually, but many are made for sharing. 

The beignets, dusted with Old Bay and served with creamy crab dip, were a highlight of the meal, offering a perfectly fluffy and airy texture.

For my main course, I ordered the pot pie. I ordered the vegetarian option, which was stuffed with a creamy filling of potatoes, carrots, and peas topped with a buttery crust. Pot pie is a classic comfort food not available elsewhere on a Royal Caribbean ship, and I enjoyed the hearty flavor, with the flaky crust being especially tasty.

Other members of the table ordered the Blackened Cajun Catfish.

The sides at The Mason Jar may have been my favorite part of the meal, though, particularly the Cajun Fries. These come served in a shareable bag and are coated with a generous dusting of cajun seasoning. Just like the cornbread and biscuits earlier in the meal, I probably could have eaten the entire bag of fries myself!

Meals at The Mason Jar are definitely on the heavier side, so this is not the place to go if you are hoping to have a healthy meal. That being said, I had a fantastic dinner at The Mason Jar and felt it offered one of the more unique dinner menus on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Desserts at The Mason Jar

Like all Royal Caribbean specialty restaurants, The Mason Jar has its own signature dessert menu. The Mason Jar’s dessert menu does a great job incorporating southern-inspired flavors.

The following desserts are available at The Mason Jar:

• Cherry Pie
• Warm Bread Puddin’
• Chocolate Pecan Pie
• Twice-Fried Oreos
• Gone Bananas

Ice cream is also on the dessert menu, with flavors including georgia peach, maple-candied bacon, and bourbon butter pecan.

As someone with a huge sweet tooth, I was eager to try dessert at The Mason Jar. Friends of mine recommended I order the Warm Bread Puddin’. Made from croissants and raisin bread soaked in vanilla-bourbon custard, it is served with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Bread pudding isn’t something I would normally order, but I am glad it was recommended to me because it was one of the best desserts I had all week on Wonder of the Seas!

Others at the table ordered Gone Bananas, a layered pudding dessert with roasted bananas, vanilla pudding, and graham cracker crumble. While they thought the flavor was great, they mentioned the ratio of pudding to bananas and graham crackers seemed a bit off. They much preferred the bread pudding.

Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog loved the Twice-Fried Oreos, which are coated in funnel cake batter, fried, and dusted with powdered sugar. If that isn’t sweet enough, they are served with a side of chocolate sauce for dipping.

The Mason Jar Bar review

The drink menu at The Mason Jar Bar has a focus on bourbon and fresh flavors. The drinks are all quite unique, most of which incorporate liquors and ingredients not as common at other bars onboard Wonder of the Seas.

The following signature drinks are available at The Mason Jar Bar:

• Mississippi Moonlight, made with blackberry moonshine, fresh blackberries, and lemonade
• Southern Belle, made with bourbon, fresh mint, lemon juice, blueberries, and club soda
• Mint Julep, made with bourbon, homemade mint simple syrup, fresh mint, and dusted with powdered sugar
• The Stubborn Mule, made with bourbon, lime juice, and ginger beer
• PB&J Old Fashioned, made with Skrewball peanut butter whiskey and bourbon, strawberry jelly and walnut bitters, and garnished with a mini PB&J
• Far From Manhattan, made with brown sugar bourbon and angostura bitters topped with a slice of candied bacon
• No Joke, Smoke & Coke, a smoked drink made with bourbon on the rocks and Coke
• Pretty as a Peach Tea, made with bourbon, fresh brewed sweet tea, and ripe Georgia peaches

I tasted the PB&J Old Fashioned, which is one of the most popular drinks at The Mason Jar. It was a little strong for me as I’m not much of a whiskey/bourbon drinker, but everyone else I met could not stop raving about it!

I also tried The Stubborn Mule, made with Buffalo Trace bourbon, lime juice, and ginger beer. It was a bit sweeter than the old fashioned, so I much preferred the mule.

Some of the most unique drinks at The Mason Jar are the dessert milkshakes and floats. Both non-alcoholic and alcoholic options are available. The floats combine vanilla ice cream with a choice of soda or chocolate milk stout. Non-alcoholic milkshakes are available in chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry.

The signature milkshake is the All Shook-Up. Made with Skrewball peanut butter whiskey and Blue Chair banana cream rum, the shake is topped with whipped cream, brown sugar, and caramelized bananas. It’s certainly a unique drink and one that guests with a sweet tooth must try while at The Mason Jar Bar.

The bar also features a late night menu, where guests can order food from The Mason Jar kitchen starting at 9pm. A select number of appetizers, entrees, and desserts are available, which come priced a la carte. The late night menu is included in Royal Caribbean’s dining package.

Should you try The Mason Jar for brunch or dinner?

The short answer is… you should try both! While some menu offerings are the same at brunch and dinner, the majority of the menu is different. To try all that there is to eat at The Mason Jar, I recommend dining there during both brunch and dinner.

If you have to select only one, though, my recommendation is to dine at The Mason Jar restaurant for brunch, but order items from the late night menu at the bar later in the cruise. Because the late night menu features many of the same dishes you will find on the dinner menu, you will have the chance to try both brunch and dinner selections at The Mason Jar.

You should also make sure to visit The Mason Jar in the evening when the band is playing at the bar. The Mason Jar offers a more intimate atmosphere than listening to music in a more crowded area onboard, such as the Royal Promenade. Plus, you'll have time to try all of the venue's new drinks!

How much does The Mason Jar cost?

The Mason Jar is a cover charge restaurant, meaning you pay one price and can taste as much as you want. The late night menu has dishes ranging from $3 to $9.

Brunch comes with a cover charge of $24.99 and dinner $39.99. Kids aged 6 to 12 can dine at The Mason Jar for $10.99, and kids under 6 for free.

I had a wonderful dining experience at The Mason Jar overall, and it is definitely a must-do on your next cruise on Wonder of the Seas.

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If you have a cruise booked on Wonder of the Seas, there are a few hidden secrets to know about before you set sail.

As the world’s biggest cruise ship and fifth Oasis Class ship, Wonder of the Seas provides an extensive variety of choices for dining, entertainment, and relaxation. Exploring the entire ship can seem overwhelming, and it’s easy to overlook unique features, dining options, and areas to hang out onboard.

After walking up, down, and around the ship for the past few days, I’m sharing the top 10 hidden secrets to know about before your cruise on Wonder of the Seas.

Astronauts onboard

Wonder of the Seas, like all Royal Caribbean ships, has an elaborate and diverse art collection. From a gigantic purple dragon spanning ten decks in the ship’s atrium to art pieces in every stairwell onboard, there is no shortage of inspiring art to discover.

One of the most unique art features is a set of three astronauts scattered throughout the ship. One can be found in Central Park peering through glass into the Royal Promenade below. Another is found at the Boardwalk, hanging on the rock climbing wall. The third astronaut is located at the movie screen seating area on the pool deck.

Finding the astronauts can be a fun way to explore the ship for guests of all ages, and they make for a great photo opportunity as well.

Late night bites at The Mason Jar

If you’re looking to try Royal Caribbean’s newest specialty restaurant, you can taste select menu items on a late night menu.

Late night menu prices range from $3 to $9 and include crab beignets, fried green tomatoes, and the crispy chicken sandwich. The menu is available every day starting at 9pm.

This can be a great option for those wanting to try just a few items from The Mason Jar, or for those who are unable to dine at the restaurant for brunch or dinner. As The Mason Jar is in high demand as the newest restaurant in the fleet, reservations can fill up quickly.

Late night bites at The Mason Jar are included in Royal Caribbean’s dining packages.

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen menu items at Giovanni’s Wine Bar

Similar to at The Mason Jar, you can order menu items from Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen at the wine bar next door. The kitchen is open from 12pm to 10 or 11pm each day.

Menu items include four types of pizzas as well as appetizers like fried lasagna, calamari, and Italian stromboli. Two popular desserts, Go Bananas and Mamma’s Tiramisu, are also available.

Unlike at The Mason Jar, ordering food at the wine bar is not included in the dining package, and menu prices range from $3 to $12.

Virtual Balcony in the Diamond Lounge

The Diamond Lounge on Wonder of the Seas is located within the Entertainment Place neighborhood on Deck 4. Because the space does not have any windows, Royal Caribbean added two virtual balconies. This helps give those in the lounge an idea of what the weather is like outside without having to leave the lounge, and it also provides a nice view.

USB plugs in bars

Select bars and lounges onboard have USB charging plugs and hooks for bags or purses, including Playmakers, Schooner Bar, The Mason Jar, and Giovanni’s Wine Bar.

Having USB plugs available in common spaces onboard is great for those needing to charge devices or use a laptop. In addition, the hooks are helpful for guests wanting a secure place to put their purse or jacket while at a bar.

Quiet seating on Deck 17

On other Oasis Class ships, the outdoor deck space on Deck 17 was reserved for the Suite Deck. Because Wonder of the Seas has a separate suite neighborhood, though, this space is now open to all guests.

Comfy loungers and pool chairs are available here, and the area tends to be much less crowded than other areas on the pool deck. While this area is prone to high winds, it’s a nice spot to relax while enjoying the sun and ocean views.

To access this area, walk all the way forward on Deck 16 (the upper pool deck) and go up the stairs.

Seating and game area on the running track

Located on each side of the running track is an outdoor seating and game space with excellent ocean views.

One side of the ship has a few tables and chairs, shuffleboard, and a ping pong table. The other just has seating areas. Not many guests know about this area, so there are rarely many people here, and it’s a tranquil spot to enjoy ocean views without the crowds.

To access these areas, head to the running track on deck 5 and walk forward. Depending on the side of the ship, the seating area will be on the right or left side.

Solarium bridge wings

In the Wonder of the Seas’ Solarium are two bridge wings that extend over the edge of the ship. These can be a nice spot to watch sailaway or catch a sunset while at sea.

Unlike other outdoor deck spaces onboard, the Solarium bridge wings usually do not get very crowded. To access the bridge wings, head to the very front of the Solarium.

Less crowded seating at the Windjammer

Unlike on other Oasis Class ships where the Windjammer is quite small, the Windjammer on Wonder of the Seas is the biggest in the fleet. It wraps around the Boardwalk neighborhood on Deck 15, offering views of the ocean and Boardwalk below.

There are main seating areas at the Windjammer on each side, which can get crowded during peak dining times.

If you walk all the way to the back of the Windjammer, though, you will find a smaller seating area that tends to be much less crowded.

There is also a separate entrance to the Windjammer that can be accessed near the lower area of the Wonder Playscape on Deck 15.

Private teen deck

Teenagers aged 13-17 onboard have access to Social 100, an outdoor deck exclusively for teens. Located on Deck 17 next to the waterslides, Social 100 features a private hot tub, non-alcoholic bar, selfie area, games, and comfy seating.

This is a fantastic spot for teenagers to hang out and relax with new friends while at sea. 

In addition to the outdoor deck, teens also have access to the indoor Social 100 area located on Deck 16. The indoor space features a gaming area, comfy seating, vending machine, books, and foosball tables.

Today is the last day of our cruise, and there was no better place to celebrate the end of Wonder of the Seas’ inaugural sailing than at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

In an attempt to avoid the crowds at the Windjammer before everyone disembarked the ship, I headed to Solarium Bistro for breakfast. Whereas the Windjammer would be packed with guests eager to quickly eat and get off the ship, Solarium Bistro was much more relaxing.

Today’s experience at Perfect Day at CocoCay was going to be quite different than normal. Whereas I usually spend the day at Chill Beach or Oasis Lagoon, today I booked the Swimming Pigs Tour excursion.

Outside of the Coco Beach Club and Thrill Waterpark, I had never done an excursion at CocoCay before. I was curious to experience what extra activities are offered to guests, and the Swimming Pigs tour seemed the most unique.

The excursion met at the far end of Chill Beach next to the jet ski area. Here, we boarded a small boat and sailed to Treasure Island, a small private island located just a few miles from CocoCay.

We arrived at the island to pigs and piglets swimming in the ocean, running around the sand, and, of course, eating.

Animal tourism can be a highly debated topic, so I chatted with one of the directors on the island to learn more about the pigs and organization.

There are around thirty pigs total on Treasure Island. The brown and black spotted pigs are native to the Bahamas and were brought from Cistern Key, a small island located right next to Treasure Island. Other pigs on the island were brought to Treasure Island from further away during the tourism reopening.

The pigs have access to an acre and a half enclosed pig area, and they are free to do what they want on the island. If a pig does not want to come to the beach when visitors are on the island, that’s fine.

Each pig is fed veterinary grade cornmeal in the morning and night, and there are five freshwater drinking areas for the pigs on the island.

Upon arrival to Treasure Island, we were given a brief lesson on how to interact with pigs to ensure safety of all guests and animals. Following that, we made our way to the beach, where we were able to get in the water and swim with pigs.

Usually visitors are not permitted to use their cameras or phones on the beach with the pigs, but the photographer was not present today so everyone was permitted to take their own photos. 

Time on the beach with pigs lasted about 45 minutes, and guests were also able to interact with pigs that walked to the Observation Deck above the beach.

The cost of the Swimming Pigs Tour was around $100. It was certainly an interesting excursion, although I’m not sure it is entirely worth the cost. There are so many exciting activities to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay that booking an excursion is not totally necessary.  Plus, $100 can get you full access to Thrill Waterpark or perhaps even the Coco Beach Club, which lasts all day as opposed to just two hours.

That being said, this can be a nice excursion choice for animal lovers or those who have been to CocoCay several times.

Upon arrival back to Perfect Day at CocoCay, I headed to the swim-up bar at Oasis Lagoon. Wonder of the Seas was docked next to Freedom of the Seas today, where there are apparently nearly a thousand college students onboard for spring break. Because of this, Oasis Lagoon turned into a massive party.

I spent around an hour at Oasis Lagoon, but it got far too loud for me so I decided to walk to the beach instead. I spent some time at the far end of South Beach, where there were fewer crowds and quieter music. The weather today was fantastic, with plenty of sun and a nice breeze.

Lastly, I attended a happy hour at the Coco Beach Club for media guests on Wonder of the Seas. I hadn’t been to the Coco Beach Club in a while, so it was nice to enjoy the facilities and views.

Back onboard, I caught a few glimpses of Royal Caribbean’s construction on Hideaway Beach, the adults-only beach coming to Perfect Day at CocoCay in fall 2023.

We said goodbye to Freedom of the Seas and CocoCay as Wonder of the Seas began the journey home to Ft. Lauderdale.

For dinner tonight we went back to Izumi sushi. The menu at Izumi features not only sushi dishes, but also a variety of bowls and noodles. At our table, we enjoyed plenty of sushi as well as chicken teriyaki and yaki udon.

The evening ended with country music at The Mason Jar followed by acoustic guitar at the pub. It will be sad to say goodbye to Wonder of the Seas tomorrow, but I am already looking forward to my cruise next month on Oasis of the Seas!

Have you seen our full ship tour of Wonder of the Seas? Check it out on the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel:

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Stray observations

The DJ music is extremely loud at Oasis Lagoon, and while it is great while at the pool, I wish it was quieter elsewhere on the island! I wanted to escape the noise while relaxing on the beach, but it was difficult to find an area that did not have loud music coming from Oasis Lagoon or a speaker. 

Today was my first time at CocoCay with bigger crowds than what I had experienced during the cruise restart. I was used to having most chairs empty on the island, but it took me a while to find an empty chair at Oasis Lagoon! I ended up having to put my towel down on the ground while I swam. It’s a good idea to get on the island early to ensure chair space at the pool. This was not a problem at the various beaches I went to today.

Today was a busy day spent in Nassau on Wonder of the Seas, filled with celebrations, entertainment, and great food.

Photo by @AdamsAway

I started the morning with a workout at the rock climbing wall. If you go to the rock climbing wall (or any other signature activity) right when it opens, you’ll find very few people there, meaning you can try the activity over and over again.

We were sailing into Nassau as my workout ended. Each time I sail into Nassau, I am intrigued by the strip of land on Paradise Island where Royal Caribbean will build the Nassau Beach Club. I think this area will really enhance Nassau as a cruise destination for both guests who are visiting for the first time and those who sail to Nassau frequently.

Today we had a full day of activities planned in the Bahamas. We took part in a tour of a few locations in Nassau to learn more about how Royal Caribbean contributes and works with the Bahamian people and institutions.

Our tour started off with a catamaran ride in Nassau harbor, offering views of all five ships docked in Nassau today.

The first stop was the LJM Maritime Academy. LJM aims to be the leading maritime institution in the Caribbean region, producing seafarers and industry leaders. The academy has a three year Cadet Officers Training program, in which students obtain a Diploma in Nautical Science of Marine Engineering. Following the LJM academy, graduates work on ships around the world.

Royal Caribbean aspires to add more diversity to its bridge crew by training and hiring Bahamian officers and seafarers. They offer select scholarships to students who will work on a Royal Caribbean ship after graduation.

The academy has extensive training facilities for both traditional classroom material and hands-on simulation. One interesting facility was a simulation room of a bridge, in which students can train to sail in over twenty locations around the world, practicing maneuvering in and out of port and working with the equipment. Weather conditions can be modified as well, simulating a real life maritime experience for students.

Following the LJM Maritime Academy, we headed to the Bahamas Feeding Network, a nonprofit organization that distributes thousands of meals per week throughout Nassau. Royal Caribbean is a significant donor to the Bahamas Feeding Network.

In April of 2021, in fact, Royal Caribbean donated over $1.5 million worth of food to the nonprofit, enough for 2 million meals.

Our last stop on the tour was to John Watling’s Distillery. Here, we heard from Cherelle Cartwright, founder of Mamma Sassy’s Gourmet Foods. Cartwright’s pepper marinades were recently selected to be distributed on Royal Caribbean’s ships, following a tasting competition to ensure the best of the best would be sold onboard.

Royal Caribbean aims to include more products from small businesses in its onboard shops, and Mamma Sassy’s products will soon be available to purchase on ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.

Following lunch was a colorful performance by Junkanoo dancers. We then continued on a tour of John Watling’s Distillery, where we were able to dip our own bottle of rum in wax.

John Watling’s Distillery is a free activity to do in Nassau, with complimentary tours of the facility available as well. The property is beautiful, historic, and has green space where visitors can relax. A bar is located at John Watling’s, too, so visitors can order a signature cocktail while taking in views of Nassau.

As we arrived back at the port, a celebration was waiting for us. As this is the first time Wonder of the Seas has docked in Nassau, there was plenty of excitement for her arrival. Local vendors were set up on the pier and a Bahamian band played for a few hours.

Plenty of guests from Wonder of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas (docked next to us) were outside enjoying the party, and the band was fantastic!

Back onboard, I headed to Solarium Bistro for dinner. As usual, the Mediterranean-style buffet offerings were delicious, with the hummus, falafel, and breaded zucchini being the highlights.

I then went to the inTENse AquaTheater Showcase and it was undoubtedly intense! While the full show is not yet ready, the first fifteen minutes were performed by the all-female cast. There was so much happening on the stage, from a swinging basket to divers and an aerialist, that I found myself constantly wowed throughout the performance.

Because the full show is not ready, Royal Caribbean brought in two other performers to add to the showcase. First was a highliner whose tricks and skill walking on a slackline sixty feet in the air was truly jaw-dropping.

Next was a performance from Viktor Kee, a Ukrainian juggling extraordinaire. His performance and skill juggling up to five balls at once was absolutely unbelievable. I had never seen anything like it before and, like the rest of the show, I was completely blown away.

If you have a cruise booked on Wonder of the Seas, you definitely cannot miss inTENse.

Have you seen our full ship tour of Wonder of the Seas? Check it out on the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel:

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Stray Observations

Sailing on an inaugural cruise is definitely a different experience than a normal cruise, but I’ve enjoyed the increased celebrations throughout the week and excited energy from guests and crew onboard.

Solarium Bistro is an under appreciated dinner option on any Oasis or Quantum Class ship. It’s complimentary and, while served buffet style, offers a more formal atmosphere than the Windjammer.

Today is the fifth day on Wonder of the Seas and our second sea day. While I didn’t have any set plans for the day, I was looking forward to spending time relaxing onboard.

I started my morning at Central Park. This has quickly become one of my favorite areas on Wonder of the Seas for its peaceful atmosphere and open space.

I find I walk through the Royal Promenade much less on Oasis Class ships to get from one side to the other, instead choosing to walk through Central Park.

Lunch today was at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. As usual, many carbs were consumed and it was all delicious. I prefer the pizza menu to the pasta here, and the margherita pizza really hit the spot.

After lunch, I took a walk around Wonder of the Seas to explore more of the ship. I was surprised to see the World’s Sexiest Man Competition happening on the pool deck.

Many pool activities that draw crowds were suspended during the cruise restart due to Covid protocols, so it is exciting to see things getting back to normal. The competition was actually a lot more entertaining than I thought it would be, too, with men trying to impress women judges with their “sexy” dance moves.

I actually busted out laughing several times at just how ridiculous the performances were!

Next, I hung out at one of the hidden secrets on Wonder of the Seas, the seating areas on the running track. Like Central Park, this is one of my favorite places onboard to relax away from the crowds and take in dramatic ocean views. There is also a ping pong table and shuffleboard here for guests to enjoy.

Later in the afternoon, I walked to the Sports Deck to take in the sunset. I love the seating in the back of the sports deck, which gives great views of the ship’s wake, and I spent some time here relaxing before dinner.

Since I had to go from the Sports Deck back to my stateroom, I opted for a more thrilling adventure than taking the stairs: the Ultimate Abyss.

The Ultimate Abyss is one of my favorite signature activities onboard, and it’s even more fun than it looks. Needless to say, I got to the Boardwalk a whole lot quicker than if I had taken the elevator.

Dinner tonight brought us to 150 Central Park. I had never tried this specialty restaurant before, so was curious to try it out. 

150 Central Park has a limited menu, which I usually take as a good sign that all dishes have been well thought out and prepared.

I ordered the Roasted Spiced Pumpkin Bisque to start my meal. Rich, sweet, and savory all at once, it far exceeded my expectations.

For the main course, I tried the Cauliflower Steak and Pan-seared Halibut, and the fried cheesecake may be the best dessert I’ve tried on Royal Caribbean thus far.

What I like about 150 Central Park is that the menu consists of dishes I would not usually order. As an example, I would never think to place a roasted cauliflower over a bed of greek yogurt, pumpkin seeds, and thyme, but the flavors all blended together perfectly.

As the restaurant focuses on elevated classic entrees and locally-sourced ingredients, it has some of the highest quality dishes I’ve tried on Royal Caribbean.

I ended the night by listening to live country music at The Mason Jar followed by acoustic guitar at the pub. Tomorrow we will be in Nassau.

Have you seen our full ship tour of Wonder of the Seas? Be sure to check it out on our YouTube channel to learn more about Wonder of the Seas:

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Stray Observations

With around 4,200 passengers onboard, this cruise feels more like a “real cruise” compared to the low capacity cruises I have been on since the restart.

While I thought having more passengers onboard would make me enjoy the experience less, I actually like the more lively atmosphere found throughout the ship.

My cabin is close to the elevators which makes getting to and from my stateroom a breeze.

On previous cruises, I always had to walk further from the stairs or elevators to my room, and it could be a pain when I had to quickly grab something. Plus, I do not hear much, if any, noise coming from the elevators and hallway.

Today is the fourth day of the inaugural voyage of Wonder of the Seas. I (Jenna) am taking over the live blog from Matt for the rest of the cruise, and I can’t wait to keep discovering both the ship and ports of call throughout the week.

I started my morning by finishing up our FULL ship tour of Wonder of the Seas. Have you seen it yet? Be sure to check it out on our YouTube channel for an in-depth tour and guide to the ship.

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Breakfast today was a highly anticipated event: brunch at The Mason Jar. I had enjoyed dinner at The Mason Jar earlier in the sailing, but the brunch menu was something I was definitely looking forward to trying.

Before eating, I attended a cocktail demonstration where we could learn more about the full list of new cocktails available at The Mason Jar.

There is an extensive selection of brand new cocktails available, from the Mississippi Moonlight to the PB&J Old Fashioned and Mint Julep. The menu also includes a few dessert cocktails, such as the All Shook-Up milkshake with peanut butter whiskey and banana cream rum, and ice cream and soda floats. Both alcoholic and nonalcoholic floats are available.

The brunch menu is split into savory and sweet options, and each meal starts with an appetizer of Jalapeño Cornbread and Pimento Cheese and Saltines.

My first thought as our brunch entrees were brought to the table was WOW! I ordered the Red Velvet Pancakes topped with cream cheese icing. Other members of the table ordered Meemaw’s Fried Chicken N’ Waffles and the Sweet-Tooth Cinnamon Roll.

I enjoyed my dinner at The Mason Jar, but as I am partial to loving breakfast food, brunch was certainly a highlight of my cruise so far.

I watched Wonder of the Seas sail into San Juan as I was touring the Suite Neighborhood. We arrived in Puerto Rico at 1PM and the ship was not leaving until 9PM. This was my first time experiencing an evening spent in port, so I was excited to explore the city during both day and night.

After catching up on work, we disembarked the ship around 4PM. As we headed down the pier, a Royal Caribbean Blog reader came up to us and told us we must try the pastries from the baker at the end of the pier. He sells homemade pastries from the back of his car, and the guava and cheese pastry was a great pick-me-up before exploring San Juan.

While I have been to San Juan before, I had never come here on a cruise, and I was pleased to find out how convenient it is as a cruise port. Wonder of the Seas was docked in the heart of Old San Juan, so the whole historic area is easily accessible by foot.

The breezy afternoon weather was perfect for walking around, and we spent some time strolling through the city’s colorful cobblestone streets.

As sunset drew near, we grabbed a drink and walked along the sidewalk heading to El Morro, a historic citadel at the edge of Old San Juan. El Morro is surrounded by spacious greenery, which makes for nice people watching.

We continued our walk along the Paseo de la Princesa, a waterfront boardwalk that borders the historic walls once used to protect the city.

As the sun set, we walked to La Factoría, a local restaurant and bar in Old San Juan. This unassuming venue located on a corner with no signage turned out to be a great choice for dinner and drinks.

The menu focuses more on small bites than big entrees, and we enjoyed fish tacos and almojábanas, a type of cheese bread found throughout Latin America.

It was nice to be able to spend an evening in port as opposed to on the ship. As this isn’t very common on cruise itineraries, I enjoyed having dinner at a local spot and walking through the city’s streets at night.

Back onboard, I went to the AquaTheater for the showcase of inTENse. This is the first AquaTheater show with an all-female cast. While the full show itself is not ready yet (the cast just got onboard a few weeks ago), a showcase is being performed this week with bits and pieces of the show.

As we left San Juan the seas were pretty choppy, so the showcase was shortened to a brief segment. What I saw, though, was spectacular, so I am excited to see the rest of the showcase later this week. Our show reservations were automatically switched to Thursday evening instead when we should encounter better weather.

I called it a night after the AquaTheater performance to get some rest for a full day at sea tomorrow.

Stray Observations

In the Royal Promenade today were some of the set pieces for Anchor Aweigh, a parade coming to the Royal Promenade. While the parade is not yet ready for this week, it looks like it will be an interesting thing to see on future sailings.

There have been surprises waiting in our cabins on every night of this sailing. Tonight was a plate of macarons and other small patisserie. 

There's a good chance your Caribbean cruise will visit Nassau, Bahamas, so what should you do on your visit there?

Nassau is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world because of its close proximity to Florida and beautiful white sand beaches and blue ocean water.

I visit The Bahamas at least once a month on a cruise ship, and it's not the kind of place you want to try to "wing it", because not everything is a great choice.

Likewise, many cruise passengers skip Nassau altogether and stay on the ship, believing that there is nothing worth seeing or doing on the island. This assumption could not be more incorrect!

Whether you’re looking for a beach day, hoping to try local foods, or learn about Bahamian history and culture, there are plenty of exciting activities to choose from in Nassau.

Beaches

Islands for a beach day

Day passes at resorts

Adventures on and in the water

Food & drink

History & museums

Walk around downtown Nassau

Beaches

New Providence Island, where Nassau is located, has plenty of beaches to choose from. Most beaches are free and open to the public, and some are located just a short walk from the cruise terminal. Here are some of the most popular and recommended beaches in Nassau:

• Cabbage Beach is a free, public beach on the north side of Paradise Island. It is considered one of the best beaches in the Bahamas due to its soft sand and clean, clear blue waters. Chairs and umbrellas are available to rent from locals.
• Cable Beach is another famous beach in Nassau, and is located in front of many major hotels and resorts.
• Junkanoo Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal, and thus a popular spot for cruise passengers. Junkanoo Beach is not only convenient due to its proximity to the cruise ships, but it has restroom, shower, and changing facilities available. There are also several bars and restaurants located nearby.

• Saunders Beach is located 2.5 miles away from the cruise terminal and is a quieter, calm beach ideal for families. Saunders Beach has restroom facilities and a playground available, although guests will have to bring their own towels or chairs to the beach, as rentals are not available. 
• Love Beach is around 9 miles away from the cruise port, but offers a tranquil beach day away from the crowds. Chair rentals are available and the Nirvana Beach Bar is located on the beach, offering food and drinks.
• Jaws Beach, which was the filming location for Jaws III, is further away from the other beaches mentioned above, but offers a beach day away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts and downtown area. Bringing snorkel gear to Jaws Beach is a must, as there are sculptures and Hollywood memorabilia located underwater. The beach is located next to Clifton Heritage Park, a protected area with trails, beaches, rocky shorelines, and picnic areas.

The beaches of Nassau offer varied amenities, so be sure to check what is offered or located nearby at each beach.

One common issue faced by those visiting public beaches is the lack of restroom facilities. Many beaches are lined with hotels and resorts, but their facilities are only available to guests. One way around this is to find a nearby restaurant or bar when you need a restroom.

Islands for a beach day

Pearl Island

Pearl Island is located eight miles east of Nassau. Guests will travel to Pearl Island via boat from the cruise port and spend the day relaxing on the island’s beaches, enjoying a traditional Bahamian lunch, walking around the island’s paths, and participating in water activities.

Transportation, lunch, kayaks, paddleboards, beach chairs, water mats and trampolines, showers, and bathroom facilities are included in the day pass for guests. Guests can also access the island’s lighthouse at no extra cost. The excursion usually costs around $100.

A snorkeling tour is also available for $15 extra and lockers can be rented for the day for $10. You can book a day pass to Pearl Island on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner or Pearl Island’s website.

Guests looking for a more exclusive experience at Pearl Island can reserve a VIP Cabana. Cabanas include sun chairs, an all-inclusive drink package, butler service, and lunch. The cabana also has a fully stocked cooler, complimentary towels, a power outlet, and ceiling fan.

In addition, guests have access to water maps, kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling, and a floating trampoline. Prices for the cabana usually run around $240/per adult, and online reservations are for a maximum of two guests, although larger parties may be accommodated.

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon Island is another small island north of downtown Nassau. The boat ride from the cruise port to Blue Lagoon is included in the fare, which is usually around $85-100.

The island has several beaches, small lagoons, hammocks, beach chairs, umbrellas, and games. Water sports (kayaks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, etc.) come at an additional cost.

Guests interested in seeing marine life can book excursions such as the “Dolphin Encounter and Beach Day” or “Sea Lion Encounter and Beach Day”. During these excursions, guests can get up close and personal with animals to observe them in their natural habitat.

Other tours available at Blue Lagoon Island include a segway and eco nature walking tour. Those looking for a VIP experience can choose to book the VIP Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day.

As a VIP guest on Blue Lagoon Island, guests will receive lunch as well as unlimited Bahama Mama cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. VIP guests will have a lounge chair in the adults-only VIP beach. Snorkeling equipment is included for VIP guests.

Lunch is included in the excursion to Blue Lagoon as well, where you can enjoy hamburgers, chicken, veggie burgers, Caribbean rice, and a salad bar.

Balmoral Island

Balmoral Island is located a thirty minute boat ride from the cruise port and offers a picture-perfect beach day to guests with clear water, beach chairs and umbrellas, and two fresh-water pools.

Paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkel gear are available to rent, and the island also offers nature tours with dolphins and stingrays. Tropical beach bars, food, and a Starbucks are available on the island for an extra cost.

Day passes at resorts

Several hotels and resorts in Nassau offer day passes, which allow cruise ship guests to access the resorts’ amenities for the day. Some day passes are all-inclusive, whereas others give guests a monetary voucher for food and drinks. [Note: we use affiliate links here, which charge you nothing extra but earn us a few dollars for referring you!]

There are several hotels and resorts offering day passes in Nassau:

• Margaritaville Beach Resort & Waterpark, a new resort with a private beach, two swimming pools, a waterpark, lazy river, hot tub, and pool bar. The resort is located a 15 minute walk from the cruise area. Spa services are available at an extra cost. This resort is not all-inclusive for day pass guests.
  • Full review here
• Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas, a resort located on the harbor side of Paradise Island. There is a small beach here, but the main attraction are the large pool areas. Other activities, including tennis, bicycles, and beach volleyball, are included in the day pass. The Warwick is all-inclusive, so all food and drinks are included.
  • Full review here
• Breezes Resort & Spa, a resort located on Cable Beach in Nassau, includes beach access, a swim-up bar, three freshwater pools, and a jacuzzi. Breezes is an all-inclusive day pass.
• RIU Palace, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort on Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island. RIU Palace has a swim-up bar, reserved beach area, and two swimming pools. A hot & cold buffet and pool-side barbecue station are available for guests.

There are a few advantages to a day pass as opposed to going to a beach on your own. First, not all public beaches in Nassau have restrooms or cover if it starts raining. Second, if you take advantage of the all-inclusive food and drinks, plus the pool and beach access, day passes can be a good deal.

Atlantis Paradise Island

Many cruise passengers are eager to visit Atlantis Paradise Island, a resort with 3,805 rooms, a waterpark, shopping areas, casino, and a 154-acre waterscape. The waterscape includes lagoons, pools, and habitats for marine animals.

Amenities and activities at the resort are split into two categories: areas open to the general public and areas available only for guests or day pass visitors.

Free areas to visit at the Atlantis include the casino, indoor shopping areas, and several dining venues. You can also visit Marina Village, an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment space located around the Atlantis Marina, at no extra cost.

Those looking to experience the rest of the resort can purchase day passes. There are a few types of day passes available, some of which give access just to the beach whereas others have access to the beach and waterpark.

Those looking for an exhilarating day may want to reserve a day pass to the Aquaventure Oasis Waterpark at The Atlantis. This is a 141-acre waterpark with pools, waterslides, river rapids, and splash pads for kids. Waterpark guests also receive access to the Marine Habitat, a series of aquariums with over 50,000 aquatic animals.

Baha Mar

The Baha Mar is another luxury resort located on Paradise Island. Located on the resort is the 15-acre Baha Bay waterpark which offers a limited number of day passes.

Baha Bay includes 24 waterslides, a lazy river, FlowRider, infinity pool, wave pool, kids-only pool and slide area, and an outdoor casino. Day pass holders also have beach access.

General admission to Baha Bay is currently $160, while junior admission (guests under 48”) is $65.

Adventures on and in the water

Boat tours

Passengers looking to set sail and explore Nassau from the sea have plenty of options. Royal Caribbean offers tours such as the Discover Nassau Harbor Cruise, which brings guests on a scenic catamaran ride around Paradise Island as they learn about the history and culture of Nassau. A hybrid sea and land tour is also available, where guests start the tour on a catamaran and end with a land tour of downtown Nassau.

A kid-friendly boat tour is Blackbeard’s Pirate Revenge, which takes guests around Nassau in an 18th century pirate ship replica. The boat’s crew are dressed as pirates who tell pirate tales, share history, and provide an immersive experience for guests onboard.

Snorkeling and scuba diving

There are plenty of scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities in Nassau. Visitors to Nassau can choose to bring their own snorkel gear or book a snorkeling excursion through Royal Caribbean or an outside provider.

Royal Caribbean offers the Nassau Sail & Reef Snorkeling tour, which brings guests on a sailboat to coral reefs near Spruce Cay and Athol Island. The benefit of booking with a tour as opposed to snorkeling on your own is that you do not have to pack snorkeling gear with you for the cruise. However, if your itinerary visits several islands where you want to snorkel, it might be worth it to bring your own gear as opposed to booking excursions or gear rentals.

Scuba diving opportunities are also plentiful in Nassau. Stuart Cove is the main diving provider on New Providence Island. They offer Discover Scuba dives for first-time divers as well as dives for certified divers to the coral reels, shipwrecks, and walls around the island. Stuart Cove is also the diving provider for Royal Caribbean shore excursions.

Food & drink

Bahamian food tour

Photo by Tru Bahamian Food Tours

A huge aspect of discovering new cultures is trying new foods, and Nassau offers plenty of opportunities to do so.

Royal Caribbean offers the Island Food & Culinary Insight tour, which takes guests on an air-conditioned ride around Nassau to taste local food and drinks. The tour makes stops at Tasty Teas, the World Famous Fish Fry, Potters Cay Dock, and John Watling’s Distillery. Guests on this tour will have the opportunity to taste dishes like conch fritters, Bahamian teas, and fresh seafood.

There are tours offered by outside providers as well. One of the most popular providers is Tru Bahamian Food Tours, who offers a selection of tours geared toward discovering Bahamian cuisine.

The most popular tour is the Bites of Nassau Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour, during which guests stop at six tasting locations around downtown Nassau to taste local foods including steamed chicken, Caribbean rice, and rum cakes.

You can, of course, do a food tour on your own by walking or taking a taxi to the popular bars and restaurants in Nassau. 

A must-see spot to include on a food tour is the Fish Fry, a strip of restaurants and vendors specializing in seafood including conch, grilled shrimp, fried snapper, and lobster tails. The main fish fry in Nassau is conveniently located near the cruise port at Arawak Cay.

Visit the Rum Cake Factory

The Bahamas Rum Cake Factory was established in 2000 and has since been named the Official Rum Cake of the Bahamas. This is a popular spot to taste traditional Bahamian rum cake and buy a delicious souvenir for friends and family.

The factory is a short walk from the cruise port. Guests will be greeted with the strong smell of fresh cake (and rum). There is a small window inside so guests can see how rum cakes are made.

Free samples are available as well, so you can taste several flavors before choosing your favorite. Flavors include pineapple, chocolate, caramel, Irish cream, Kentucky honey bourbon, and the original rum cake with pecans.

This is a quick stop with most guests in and out in fifteen minutes.

Take a tour of John Watling's Distillery

John Watling’s Distillery is a distillery located on a historic estate founded in 1789. A free, short distillery tour with tastings is available.

Hand-crafted cocktails available include the Canchera Rum, which is made with amber rum, Bahamian honey, lemon juice, and club soda, and Skylarkin’, made with pale and coconut rum, coconut pulp, coconut water, and nutmeg.

History & museums

Downtown Nassau is home to several museums which can be a nice activity to do on days with poor weather or after you return to the cruise port from a shore excursion. These museums are all walkable from the cruise port, and most are relatively small, so visiting each museum will not take too much time.

Pirates of Nassau Museum

Nassau was at the heart of piracy from 1690 to 1720, when Nassau was taken over by English privateers who became lawless pirates. The Pirates of Nassau Museum allows guests of all ages to relive history, learn about piracy, and even step foot on a replica of a historic pirate ship.

Admission is $13.50 for adults and $6.75 for children 4-17.

Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation

A small yet informative museum, the Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation takes visitors through the story of Pompey, a slave who started a rebellion in 1830 in Steventon, Exuma.

The museum has a series of educational panels providing stories and descriptions of slavery in the Bahamas throughout history, and its impact on the culture and traditions seen in the Bahamas today. There is a small entrance fee to visit the museum.

National Art Gallery of the Bahamas

Guests interested in Bahamian art and culture may want to visit the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. Culture, folklore, and history are demonstrated at the museum through local art. The museum has new exhibits fairly often as well.

The entrance fee is $10 for guests and free for children under 12.

Educulture Junkanoo Museum

Junkanoo is the most popular festival in the Bahamas. A colorful street parade with music, dance, and costumes, Junkanoo takes place on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day each year.

Guests wanting to learn more about Junkanoo can do so any day of the year at the Educulture Junkanoo Museum. The museum has costumes, traditional fabrics, music, and informational panels on display for guests to learn more about the festival’s history and influence in the Bahamas. There is a small fee to enter the museum.

The Heritage Museum of the Bahamas

The Heritage Museum of the Bahamas takes visitors on a journey from pre-historic times in the Bahamas to today. The museum has relics and artifacts on display, such as an extensive sample of items in a Bahamian grocery shop in 1900 to an exhibit of tools used during slavery.

A small fee is required to enter the museum and optional guided tours are available.

Walk around downtown Nassau

A free activity to do in port is walk around downtown Nassau. Royal Caribbean and outside providers offer historical walking tours of Nassau, although the sites are all easily accessible on your own. Plenty of Nassau’s most historic sites are located just a 5 or 10 minute walk from the cruise port.

Popular sites to visit include:

• The Queen’s Staircase, a 66-step landmark carved out of limestone in 1793, providing a direct route from downtown Nassau to Fort Fincastle. The staircase was named after Queen Victoria. Located in a lush, limestone alley with a waterfall, the Queen’s Staircase is easily accessible from the cruise port.
• Fort Fincastle, a historic fort built in 1793 to protect Nassau from pirates. A relatively small fort at 126 feet, Fort Fincastle is free to access, although entering the inside of the fort comes at a small fee. (The inside of the fort has been closed due to Covid-19, although that can change at any time).
• Rawson Square, a public square lined with government buildings and home to activities and festivals throughout the year
• The Straw Market, a large flea market selling souvenirs including handmade Bahamian straw products such as purses and hats, as well as cheaper, factory-made items like t-shirts and bracelets. Be sure to haggle on the price before buying anything at the Straw Market.

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Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class ships were built to sail around the entire world. They offer among the most diverse itineraries in the entire fleet, offering cruises to far-flung destinations including the Arctic Circle, Vanuatu, and Turkey, as well as more familiar destinations such as the Bahamas and Mexico.

The Radiance Class is on the smaller end of ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet and offers a more traditional cruise experience than what you may find on the newest and biggest ships.

However, the elegance, architecture, and traditional experience is what makes these cruise ships so charming. Let’s take a closer look at what Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class ships have to offer.

Radiance Class cruise ships

• Radiance of the Seas is the first Radiance Class ship, and she primarily sails from Vancouver, Seward, and Sydney, offering cruises to Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Occasionally she offers transpacific and repositioning voyages.
• Brilliance of the Seas is the second Radiance Class ship, and she sails from Tampa, Venice (Ravenna), Barcelona, and Rome, offering cruises to the Caribbean and Europe.
• Serenade of the Seas is the third Radiance Class ship, and she primarily sails from Vancouver, Seward, and Sydney, offering cruises to Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Like Radiance, transpacific and repositioning voyages are sometimes offered.
• Jewel of the Seas is the fourth Radiance Class ship, and she primarily sails from Miami, Amsterdam, and Barcelona, offering European and Caribbean cruises. Her wide range of itineraries brings guests to destinations including Greece, Turkey, and the Arctic Circle.

The layout of Radiance Class ships differs from most classes of Royal Caribbean’s ships. Instead of a Royal Promenade or Royal Esplanade thoroughfare, Radiance Class ships have a Centrum.

The Centrum is a large, open area within the ship. A set of elevators runs up the Centrum, and shops, bars, cafes, and guest service amenities are found on the decks surrounding the elevators.

The Radiance Class first debuted with the maiden voyage of Radiance of the Seas in 2001. This makes the Radiance Class ships newer than the Voyager Class ships, but smaller in size.

The Radiance Class ships are all of a similar length, gross tonnage (GT), and capacity (at double capacity):

• Radiance of the Seas: Capacity of 2,466 guests, 962’ long, 90,090 GT
• Brilliance of the Seas: Capacity of 2,543 guests, 962’ long, 90,090 GT
• Serenade of the Seas: Capacity of 2,476 guests, 965’ long, 90,090 GT
• Jewel of the Seas: Capacity of 2,702 guests, 962’ long, 90,090 GT

Activities and things to do

Pool deck

The main pool deck on Radiance Class ships features one pool and two jacuzzis. There is ample seating area on the pool deck, too, as well as a pool bar. The Sky Bar is another bar located on the running deck above the main pool area, and the venue offers fantastic views of the pool and ocean.

The adults-only Solarium on Radiance Class has one pool and a jacuzzi. As Radiance Class ships were built to sail in all climates, they feature a retractable glass roof that allows the area to be either indoors or outdoors.

Adventure Beach is the pool area for kids onboard Radiance Class ships, and features a small waterslide, pool, and shallow splash area. Adventure Beach is conveniently located in the aft of the pool deck next to other family-friendly activities onboard.

Sports & kid-friendly activities

Radiance Class ships have a rock climbing wall, basketball/sports court, and a mini golf course. These activities are all complimentary for guests. Some activities may have set times listed in the Cruise Planner, so be sure to keep an eye on when activities are open.

There is an arcade on all Radiance Class ships. Radiance Class ships also all have Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean’s children’s programming.

Adventure Ocean is for children aged 6 months to 17 years, and kids are broken into age groups for programming. Teens 12-17 have their own hangout area onboard where they can socialize and meet new friends to hang out with throughout the cruise.

Thermal spa

Radiance Class ships have a thermal spa onboard, and guests can purchase passes to access it for the duration of the cruise. The thermal spa includes a steam room, infrared sauna, rainforest shower room, and hot stone chairs.

In addition to the thermal spa, regular spa and salon services as well as a fitness center are available.

Other activities

Like all Royal Caribbean ships, a variety of other activities are offered throughout the cruise. Activities on Radiance Class ships may include trivia, dance classes, live music, craft classes, language lessons, and theme nights.

Unique features of Radiance Class ships

Radiance Class ships were built with over three acres of glass. Because of this, the ocean is viewable from nearly any vantage point onboard. This is one of the favorite features of Radiance Class ships among cruisers.

Even the glass elevators on Radiance Class ships look out to the ocean, providing excellent views of the sea as you make your way up and down the ship.

Looking to watch a movie? Radiance Class ships are the only Royal Caribbean ships to have their own movie theater onboard. The cinema on Radiance Class ships show movies free of charge throughout the day.

Another unique feature only found on Radiance Class ships is the rotating bar located in the nightclub area of the Viking Crown Lounge. The circular bar area rotates 360 degrees so that you can enjoy spectacular views no matter which side of the bar you sit on. 

Entertainment and venues on Radiance Class ships

The primary entertainment venue on Radiance Class ships is the theater. The main entertainment lineup on Radiance Class ships is as follows:

• Radiance of the Seas: Piano Man and City of Dreams
• Brilliance of the Seas: Tango Buenos Aires, Center Stage, and Now and Forever
• Serenade of the Seas: Stage to Screen and Vibeology
• Jewel of the Seas: Tango Buenos Aires, West End to Broadway, and City of Dreams

In addition to shows in the theater, each Radiance Class ship offers plenty of other entertainment options such as live music, comedians, vocalists, dance parties, game shows, and more.

Dining & beverage

Radiance Class ships share the following dining and bar venues:

• Windjammer Marketplace
• Main Dining Room (name differs by ship)
• Chef’s Table
• Chops Grille
• Giovanni’s Table
• Izumi 
• Caffe Latte-tudes
• Park Cafe (Solarium Cafe on Jewel of the Seas)
• Schooner Bar
• Solarium Bar
• Pool bar
• Sky Bar
• Viking Crown Lounge
• English-style pub (excluding Jewel of the Seas)
• Vintages (excluding Radiance of the Seas)

In the aft of deck 6 of each Radiance Class ship is a series of lounge and pool table areas. They have different names on each ship (Zanzibar Lounge, The Congo Bar, Singapore Slings, Jakarta Lounge, etc.), but they all have the same concept.

This multipurpose venue has self-leveling pool tables, plenty of seating, bars, and a dance floor area used for live music and activities.

Outdoor dining

Radiance Class ships have a large outdoor seating area at the Windjammer. This is located in the very aft of the ships, and offers beautiful views while enjoying your meal with fresh air and a sea breeze.

Differences between the Radiance Class cruise ships

Radiance of the Seas has several more dining venues compared to other Radiance Class ships. 

First is Samba Grill, a specialty restaurant Brazilian steakhouse following the traditional rodizio dining experience. This is an all-you-can-eat experience where waiters go from table to table offering a variety of meats. In addition to meat, there is a buffet for sides and salads.

The Boardwalk Dog House is also available on Radiance of the Seas. Located on the pool deck, this complimentary venue serves options of hot dogs and sausages that guests can top with their favorite condiments.

Radiance of the Seas is the only Radiance Class ship without a Vintages onboard. Instead, she has a champagne bar, where guests can taste a variety of champagnes and wines. The location has elegant decor and glass windows overlooking the ocean.

In lieu of the English-style pub found on most other Royal Caribbean ships, Jewel of the Seas has The Pit Stop. This is a sports bar featuring several television screens and sports-themed decor.

Jewel of the Seas is the only Radiance Class ship without a Royal Babies & Tots nursery onboard. She has Adventure Ocean facilities for ages 3-17, but no nursery option.

Unique itineraries of Radiance Class ships

A major advantage of sailing on a Radiance Class ship is that the itineraries tend to be much more diverse than what you will find on larger ships. Because of their size, Radiance Class ships are able to fit into more ports around the world, and also pass through the Panama Canal. 

Here are a few examples of the unique itineraries available on Radiance Class ships:

• 7-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Cruise on Radiance of the Seas, visiting Seward, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Icy Point Straight, Ketchikan, and the Canadian Inside Passage, before ending in Vancouver. Land-based Cruise Tours are available in Alaska prior to the sailing.
• 7-night Greek Isles Cruise on Brilliance of the Seas, visiting Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Santorini, Ephesus, Mykonos, and Athens
• 10-night South Pacific Cruise on Radiance of the Seas, visiting Isle of Pines and Noumea in New Caledonia, Mystery Island and Port Vila in Vanuatu, and Lifou, Loyalty Islands
• 9-night Norwegian Fjords Cruise on Jewel of the Seas, visiting the Norwegian ports of Olden, Flam, Geiranger, Alesund, and Kristiansand
• 12-night Iceland & Scotland Cruise on Jewel of the Seas, visiting Akureyri and Reykjavik in Iceland as well as Shetland, Inverness, and Edinburgh in Scotland

In addition to these unique itineraries, Radiance Class ships also sail to more common ports in the Caribbean including Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Maarten, San Juan, and Labadee, among others.

Serenade of the Seas will be sailing around the world during Royal Caribbean’s first World Cruise, from December 2023 to September 2024. During the World Cruise, she will visit all 7 continents, 11 world wonders, and over 150 destinations in over 60 countries.

Who is the Radiance Class best for?

Radiance Class ships are a great fit for guests looking for a traditional cruise experience without all the bells and whistles found on the newest ships. There are a variety of complimentary and dining options to try, plenty of bars to choose from, and a range of entertainment throughout the cruise.

And while Radiance Class ships may not offer the latest activities for kids, such as bumper cars and the FlowRider, there is still plenty for kids to do onboard. From the rock climbing wall to Adventure Ocean and the sports court, kids will have many activities to try on a Radiance Class ship.

Solo travelers will especially benefit from the stateroom selections on Radiance Class ships. Each ship has 3 studio interior rooms available to book on any sailing. The benefit of sailing in a studio room is that your cruise fare will be much lower, as you do not have to pay a single supplement fee for staying in a normal room.

If you’re looking to try the biggest and most popular Royal Caribbean ships, the Radiance Class is not the best option for you. But if you’re looking for a relaxing, classic cruise experience, you will certainly find that on a Radiance Class ship.

Radiance Class tips & secrets

Be sure to try out the self-leveling pool tables on Radiance Class ships. They are the only pool tables that do this in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, so you won’t have to worry about your game messing up if the seas are rocky!

The Radiance Class offers plenty of balconies with views of the aft. These often sell out quickly, so be sure to book well in advance to get a cabin with one of these views.

The helicopter (helipad) is accessible for guests on Radiance Class ships. This is a fantastic spot to watch sailaway or view the unique destinations visited during your cruise. The Promenade Deck is also a relaxing spot onboard to take a walk, read a book, and enjoy the views.

More on the Radiance Class:

• 20 Radiance Class cruise ship tips and secrets
• 7 fun facts about Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas
• Brilliance of the Seas Live Blog
• Jewel of the Seas Live Blog

Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class cruise ships can be a nice choice for first-time or seasoned cruisers. They come with plenty to do, see, eat, and drink onboard, and offer a diverse range of itineraries around the world.

In addition, many Voyager Class ships have recently been amplified and are filled with Royal Caribbean’s newest features and amenities. Let’s take a deep dive into the Voyager Class to see what these five impressive ships have to offer.

Voyager Class cruise ships

Royal Caribbean has five Voyager Class ships:

• Voyager of the Seas is the first ship of the class, and she sails from Stockholm, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Boston, and San Juan, offering cruises to New England, Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe.
• Explorer of the Seas is the second ship of the class, and she sails from Miami, San Juan, Venice (Ravenna), and Rome, offering cruises to Europe and the Caribbean.
• Adventure of the Seas is the third ship of the class, and she sails from Galveston and Cape Liberty, offering cruises to New England, Canada, and the Caribbean.
• Navigator of the Seas is the fourth ship of the class, and she sails from Los Angeles, offering cruises to Baja California and the Mexican Riviera.
• Mariner of the Seas is the fifth ship of the class, and she sails from Port Canaveral, offering cruises to the Caribbean.

Amplified ships

The Voyager Class debuted in 1999. At the time, the features, amenities, and size of the Voyager Class were top-notch. In fact, Voyager, Explorer, and Navigator of the Seas were considered the largest cruise ships in the world when they were built.

Over time, though, Royal Caribbean realized the ships could use some updates. Navigator of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, and Voyager of the Seas have all recently been amplified through Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified program.

Royal Amplified is Royal Caribbean’s program that updates ships’ amenities, staterooms, dining and lounge choices, activities, and more. Because three Voyager Class ships have been updated, you will find many of Royal Caribbean’s newest attractions and activities onboard.

Explorer of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas were set to be amplified in 2020 and 2021, but amplification has been postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Because of this, these two ships have some notable differences in onboard activities and dining offerings.

Voyager Class size

The Voyager Class ships are all of a similar length, gross tonnage (GT), and capacity (at double capacity):

• Voyager of the Seas: capacity of 4,269 guests, 1,020’ long, 137,276 GT
• Explorer of the Seas: capacity of 4,290 guests, 1,020’ long, 137,308 GT
• Adventure of the Seas: capacity of 3,807 guests, 1,020’ long, 137,276 GT
• Navigator of the Seas: capacity of 4,000 guests, 1,020’ long, 139,999 GT
• Mariner of the Seas: capacity of 4,000 guests, 1,020’ long, 139,863 GT

Activities and things to do

A Royal Caribbean cruise on a Voyager Class ship will certainly not be boring. These ships pack plenty of activities every day of the cruise for guests of all ages.

Waterslides

All Voyager Class ships with the exception of Explorer of the Seas have waterslides onboard. Voyager, Adventure, and Mariner have The Perfect Storm waterslides, a set of racing slides that jet off the side of the ship. They even have clear sections so you can see the water below you!

Navigator of the Seas is home to two slides: The Blaster and Riptide. The Blaster is an aqua coaster where two passengers slide on a raft up, down, and around the ship. It is the longest water slide at sea. Riptide is a mat racer waterslide which curves around Navigator of the Seas.

Ice skating

All Voyager Class ships have Studio B, an ice skating rink, onboard. In addition to ice skating shows performed throughout the cruise, there are set times available where guests can ice skate. Ice skates and helmets are provided for this complimentary activity.

Laser tag

Guests sailing on Voyager, Navigator, and Mariner of the Seas can play laser tag onboard. Also held in Studio B, Battle for Planet Z is a glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience. Guests wear electronic vests and break up into teams to face off in the laser tag arena.

Puzzle Break Center

On Mariner of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas you will find the Puzzle Break Center. Here, guests can complete a timed puzzle challenge to try and break out of the escape room in time.

Other sports activities and things to do

All Voyager Class ships have both a rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, and mini golf. Each ship has a Sports Court as well, where games like pickleball, basketball, and soccer are complimentary. Other activities such as ping pong and shuffleboard are also available to guests.

Like other ships, activities including trivia, crafts, guest lectures, and live bands are offered on Voyager Class ships.

Pool Deck

The pool deck on Voyager Class ships consists of two side-by-side main pools and several jacuzzis. Each ship also has a Solarium with a pool and two jacuzzis. The Solarium is not totally enclosed, so the pool is in the sunlight and the jacuzzis are in the shade. The pool chairs in the Solarium are padded for extra comfort.

Each ship’s pool deck also has a bar in the main pool area and another  bar on the running track deck which offers nice views of the pool and ocean.

Adventure of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas both have a kids area on the pool deck. On Adventure, you will find Splashaway Bay, an aqua park complete with waterslides and splash areas. On Navigator there is a splash pad area with water sprayers.

The other Voyager Class ships do not offer pool activities for children still in diapers.

Entertainment and Venues on Voyager Class ships

The two main entertainment areas on Voyager Class ships are the theater and Studio B, the ice skating rink.

The main entertainment lineup on Voyager Class ships is as follows:

• Voyager of the Seas: Broadway Rhythm & Rhyme and Music in Pictures in the Royal Theater; Ice Odyssey in Studio B
• Explorer of the Seas: Invitation to Dance, Wild, Cool & Swingin’, and Fast Forward in the Palace Theater; Spirits of the Seasons in Studio B
• Adventure of the Seas: Invitation to Dance, Jackpot, and Can’t Stop The Rock in the Lyric Theater; Cool Art, Hot Ice in Studio B
• Navigator of the Seas: Ballroom Fever and Showgirl in the Royal Theater; iSkate in Studio B
• Mariner of the Seas: Gallery of Dreams and Center Stage in the Royal Theater; Ice Under the Big Top in Studio B

Other entertainment options can be found throughout the Voyager Class ships, from live music to comedians and karaoke. 

Differences between the Voyager class cruise ships

Voyager Class ships share the following dining and bar venues:

• Windjammer Marketplace
• Main Dining Room
• Cafe Promenade
• Chef’s Table
• Chops Grille
• Izumi (sushi)
• Johnny Rockets (excluding Voyager of the Seas)
• Ice cream stand (found at Cafe Promenade)
• Schooner Bar
• Solarium Bar
• Viking Crown Lounge
• English-style pub
• Star Lounge (named differently on some ships)
• Pool bars

Voyager of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Voyager Class ships, Voyager of the Seas has Giovanni’s Table, The Tavern bar, and R Bar.

Giovanni’s Table is a classic Italian restaurant on Royal Caribbean’s ships, with menu highlights including grilled lamb chops, gorgonzola gnocchi, and linguini with clams.

The Tavern bar and R Bar are bars that do not have a strong theme, but are a nice place to relax with a drink onboard.

During the recent amplification of Voyager of the Seas, the Vitality Spa & Fitness Center as well as Adventure Ocean areas were refurbished and modernized. There is a new outdoor hangout area for teenagers onboard as well.

Voyager of the Seas has a total of 1,715 staterooms:

• 691 interior
• 228 ocean view
• 673 balcony
• 123 suites

Explorer of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Voyager Class ships, Explorer of the Seas has Giovanni’s Table, The Tavern bar, and the Connoisseur Club.

The Connoisseur Club is a lounge onboard where guests can relax while smoking cigars. It is one of the few designated smoking areas on the ship. There are few Connoisseur Clubs left in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, so this may be replaced once the ship is amplified.

Explorer of the Seas’ amplification has been postponed, but when she is amplified a variety of new features and activities will be added:

• The Perfect Storm water slides
• Caribbean-style pool deck with hammocks, daybeds, and in-pool loungers
• The Lime & Coconut pool bar
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Playmakers, Johnny Rockets Express, and Starbucks
• Laser tag
• Revamped Adventure Ocean and teen area

These additions were announced prior to the coronavirus pandemic, so they may change.

Explorer of the Seas has a total of 1,715 staterooms:

• 691 interior
• 228 ocean view
• 671 balcony
• 125 suites

Adventure of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Voyager Class ships, Adventure of the Seas has Giovanni’s Table, Boleros, Aquarium Bar, and Champagne Bar.

The Champagne Bar is located on the Royal Promenade and is an elegantly-decorated lounge area that has not only champagne, but other cocktails and beverages.

Despite the name, the Aquarium Bar does not have actual aquariums, but does feature aquatic and marine life decor.

While Adventure of the Seas has not undergone a full amplification process, she does have a few features that are usually only seen on newer or amplified ships. The Perfect Storm waterslides and Splashaway Bay were added in 2016, which offer more fun for both kids and adults onboard.

Like Explorer of the Seas, the full amplification of Adventure of the Seas has been delayed. When the Royal Amplified program restarts, though, many of Royal Caribbean's newest dining venues, bars, and activities are expected to be added to the ship.

Adventure of the Seas has a total of 1,672 staterooms:

• 667 interior
• 242 ocean view
• 638 balcony
• 125 suites

Navigator of the Seas

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Navigator of the Seas is perhaps the most modern Voyager Class ship due to her impressive amplification. Navigator differs the most from other Voyager Class ships in regards to her venues, layout, and decor.

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Voyager Class ships, Navigator of the Seas has Jamie’s Italian, Hooked Seafood, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, El Loco Fresh, The Lime & Coconut, Starbucks, R Bar, Boleros, and The Bamboo Room.

The Bamboo Room is a Polynesian-themed tiki bar with a selection of tropical drinks and colorful decor. Playmakers is the signature sports bar on Royal Caribbean, and the location on Navigator of the Seas features a pool table, shuffleboard, arcade games, and a private viewing area to watch sports. Food and drinks at these venues come at an additional cost.

As far as more formal specialty dining options, guests can enjoy Hooked Seafood and Jamie’s Italian. Menu highlights at Hooked include the messy fish sandwich, baked oysters, and Maine lobster roll. Highlights at Jamie’s Italian include the eggplant parmesan, freshly-made pasta, and meat plank.

There are two pool deck food options on Navigator: Johnny Rockets Express and El Loco Fresh. Johnny Rockets Express offers typical American food like hamburgers and fries, and is priced à la carte. El Loco Fresh is a complimentary, grab-and-go Mexican restaurant with burritos, nachos, quesadillas, and a salsa station.

One of the most impressive features of Navigator of the Seas is her pool deck. Navigator of the Seas has a Caribbean style pool deck design complete with colorful decor, art, casita lounge areas, comfy seating, and The Lime & Coconut pool bar.

She is also the only Voyager Class ship to have hot tubs on the running deck which overlook the pool area. In addition, the top deck of The Lime & Coconut was transformed into a lounge area with comfy seating, tables, and lights.

Navigator of the Seas is also the only ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet with To Dry For. This is a blow dry bar and hair styling salon onboard.

The Adventure Ocean programming on Navigator was modernized during the amplification as well, and features a kid's rock climbing wall as wall as an outdoor deck for teens.

Navigator of the Seas has a total of 1,694 staterooms:

• 670 interior
• 232 ocean view
• 671 balcony
• 121 suites

Mariner of the Seas

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Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Voyager Class ships, Mariner of the Seas has Jamie’s Italian, Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Dog House, Starbucks, Boleros, and The Bamboo Room.

Mariner of the Seas shares many of the same dining and lounge venues as Navigator of the Seas.

She is the only Voyager Class ship to offer not only Izumi sushi, but hibachi. Guests can reserve a dining time at Izumi Hibachi, where a chef cooks your meal right in front of you.

She is also the only Voyager Class ship with the Dog House. Located on the pool deck, this complimentary dining venue offers a variety of hot dogs and sausages.

Mariner of the Seas has a few activities not found on any other Voyager Class ship. First is the Sky Pad, a virtual reality bungee jumping experience. Here, guests can put a VR headset on and jump up and down on the Sky Pad’s trampolines while playing games in a series of virtual reality simulations.

There is also the Sky Climber, a climbing arena for kids to spend their day climbing up, down, and around on the sports deck. In addition, hammocks and other nice seating are found on Mariner of the Seas.

Mariner of the Seas has a total of 1,674 staterooms:

• 669 interior
• 246 ocean view
• 638 balcony
• 121 suites

Who is the Voyager Class best for?

The Voyager Class ships, although considered “smaller” when compared to newer Royal Caribbean ships, are still massive vessels with tons of activities offered onboard. Not too big and not too small, they are an excellent option for first-time cruisers.

The Royal Amplified program has set Voyager Class ships on par with some of the fleet’s newest ships. Voyager Class ships offer waterslides, FlowRiders, mini golf, rock climbing, pools, live music, ice skating shows, and more. 

Voyager Class ships come at a lower cost compared to Oasis or Quantum Class ships, as well, so they can be a more budget-friendly option for travelers while still providing a modern cruise experience.

Voyager Class ships have elegant design integrated throughout the ship, which brings a feeling of sophistication to the cruise experience. A great example of this is in the Main Dining Room, which were inspired by the design and layout of opera houses.

And while Voyager Class ships offer fun-filled activities onboard, they also offer plenty of areas for rest and relaxation. The Promenade Deck on Voyager Class ships is large and circles around the entire ship. Guests may enjoy walking the Promenade Deck during the day to get away from the hustle and bustle elsewhere onboard.

Voyager Class Tips & Secrets

The helicopter pad, or helipad, is accessible to guests on Voyager Class ships. The helipad can be accessed by walking all the way forward to the ship on the Promenade Deck. This will lead to a flight of stairs which brings you to the helipad. This is a fantastic spot to watch sailaway or relax while onboard.

The Izumi location on Navigator, Voyager, and Explorer of the Seas is on Deck 14 and offers dramatic views of the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Select Voyager Class ships have a Peek-A-Boo bridge, where guests can peek into the bridge and see what the ship’s captain and officers are up to. To access the Peek-A-Boo bridge, head to the very front of the Solarium and exit through the sliding glass doors. Walk down the pathway until you reach the bridge.

Voyager, Explorer, and Adventure of the Seas do not have an escape room. Instead, this area of the ship is Skylight Chapel, a wedding chapel that can accommodate up to forty people. Church services are conducted here and this space is open throughout the day for guests looking to relax or pray.

Voyager Class ships offer saunas and steam rooms in the fitness area.

If you're vaccinated against Covid-19, you'll need to wear a bracelet to distinguish between vaccinated and unvaccinated guests, and this band can sometimes be a nuisance to wear.

When cruises first restarted last summer, Royal Caribbean was using silicone wristbands that could be taken off at any time. In the fall, they primarily switched to a ribbon band that, once tightened, cannot be loosened.

While the ribbon band may seem convenient as it will not fall off throughout the cruise, many passengers find the band’s design to be inconvenient.

Royal Caribbean Blog readers shared recently on our message boards the tips and tricks they use in order to make the wristband experience a lot more comfortable while onboard.

Put the wristband on loosely at first

When you receive the wristband at the cruise terminal, do not tighten it too much. Because you cannot loosen it once it has been tightened, a tight wristband can quickly become uncomfortable. Putting the wristband on loosely at first will allow you more flexibility to take it off when it isn’t needed. 

If you tightened the wristband too much, get a new one. Some guests find that they made their wristband way too tight. Don’t fret, though. If your wristband is too tight, simply go to Guest Services and ask them to cut it off. They will give you a new wristband.

Put the wristband on your non-dominant hand

If you’re right handed, be sure to put the wristband on your left hand. The wristbands all come in one size, and more often than not, there will be a lot of extra material hanging off once you tighten it to your wrist.

This “tail” can get in the way when you are eating or doing activities onboard. Frankly, it can be a little annoying! Be sure to put it on the hand you will not be using as much so it stays out of the way as much as possible.

Cut off the long tail after tightening the wristband

If the long tail on your wristband is really bothering you, go to guest services and ask if they can cut the tail of your wristband to make it shorter.

There will be no need to worry about the wristband dipping into your mashed potatoes or tomato sauce at dinner if the long tail is no longer there!

You don’t have to wear the wristband on your wrist

All vaccinated guests must wear a wristband, but it does not necessarily mean you must wear it on your wrist. 

You can put it around your ankle, tie it to a lanyard, or even loop it on your belt. As long as you remember to take it with you each time you leave your stateroom or change outfits, you will not have a problem.

Use items to tie the wristband’s tail back

Some passengers have brought rubber bands and clips onboard to secure the wristband’s tail. By using small rubber bands, the tail is able to be moved out of the way, making it much more comfortable for guests during the cruise.

Likewise, another tip shared was to purchase these cord locks which allow you to adjust how tight or loose your wristband fits.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Ashley Dillo stated that “When I am given the wristband I just pull the nylon all the way through the black plastic piece like I'm tightening it all the way and it slips off. Then I thread the ends through the cord lock and it makes it adjustable for easy on/off.”

If you've been on a cruise recently, what did you think of the new ribbon wristbands? Do you have any tips and tricks for making them more comfortable? Join the discussion on our message boards and let us know!